Russia trying to make world believe Ukraine snubbing peace deal - Zelensky’s office chief

The head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, said this in an interview with Le Figaro, Ukrinform reports.

"For two years, I had been negotiating with the Russians in the Normandy format (Ukraine, Russia, France, Germany). We saw the outcome on February 24, 2022. Talks for the sake of talks make no sense for Ukraine. The aggressor cannot be allowed an opportunity to use the time for negotiations to pile up forces for new attacks," Yermak noted.

That is why, President Volodymyr Zelensky developed a specific Peace Formula, which was presented in Davos. More than 80 representatives from different continents took part in the Davos meeting.

"The first summit at the level of leaders of these 80 states should provide impetus and show the unity of the majority of the world's nations in respect for the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Ukraine, the norms of international law and the UN Charter. This will be the beginning of the really important work of the responsible countries around the world to end the war against Ukraine and settle the crisis caused by Russian aggression," Yermak emphasized.

But, noted Yermak, not through bilateral negotiations.

"When all the countries involved in the crisis exit plan are at the table, we will have the opportunity to invite Russia’s representatives to pitch the plan to them. We should be able to answer the question: do the Russians really want to stop the war? Then we’ll see," Yermak emphasized.

According to the head of the President’s Office, peace must imply restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

"And it must include compensation for all damages incurred, the return of all our citizens and abducted children, and restoration of the rule of international law. Finally, the perpetrators of war, crimes, and torture must be brought to justice. Russia is trying to make people believe that we stand against a peace agreement, to unite the Global South. This is a lie," Yermak emphasized.

As reported by Ukrinform, Yermak said in an interview with Le Figaro that the Ukrainians will not stop until they liberate their territory and agree to freeze the war.